031 - Northwest Berry Trio

[deadly_ned]

[Icy blue eyes - not the Piemaker's eyes - focus intently back at the rest of the Barge. When he speaks, he doesn't mention who he's speaking to: it's clear it's to one specific person he has in mind. Digby hides under the bed, as the Piemaker grasps meat cleaver and tenderizer in both hands]

Ready to serve, Master.

Comments

[darknessb4me]

I come back, here. I always come back.

[fireincarnate]

That doesn't make you any less dead in the meantime.

[darknessb4me]

It does make whatever you can try utterly pointless.

[fireincarnate]

It doesn't, actually.

Because the flood will be over soon.

[darknessb4me]

I know. And I'll get to go to back before you were even around. Did you know I killed six wardens this week?

[fireincarnate]

Well done, they'll be in the infirmary for a few days.

[A slight shrug.] I can't change the past. [She drifts closer, and smiles.] But I can stop you from doing any more harm now.

[darknessb4me]

You asked what would happen to him. Would you like to find out?

[fireincarnate]

Yes, actually. [She raises a hand, and fire writhes around it.]

[darknessb4me]

The feedback will break what's left of his mind. So, by all means.

[This is not true, but he says it like he believes it. In truth, he has no idea what will happen.]

[fireincarnate]

Then I'll put it back together. [She sounds more confident than she is, but she can't go back now, can she? She can feel the bloodlust thrumming through her veins, and if she doesn't use it for something useful, then -

No. No more doubts. No more stalling.

The fire burns white and gold as it flows from her arm, sharpening into glimmering talons.]

[darknessb4me]

Ned. Help me kill her, would you?

[Arthas' broadsword has a serious reach; all he has to do is plant his foot and shift his weight to slash at her viciously.]

[deadly_ned]

[At Arthas' direct request, the Piemaker shakes himself free from his numb bystander perspective. He moves quick to Jean to apprehend her, heedless of the fire. He's prepared to burn himself if only to hold Jean still long enough for Arthas to strike]

[fireincarnate]

[Jean's reflexes were always good - Charles insisted on it - but as Phoenix, she moves with an almost preternatural speed. She sidesteps the blade even as she waves her hand; she intends to cast Ned aside, as gently as she's able.]

[darknessb4me]

[Arthas snarls and slashes again; she's too fast but then again so was Illidan; terrible odds have never stopped him from trying before.]

[deadly_ned]

[The Piemaker is no fighter, and pales in comparison to two seasoned experts. He goes down, but the beauty of the mind control is that he's up again and running from behind, determined to do as his master bids him]

[fireincarnate]

[Dammit, Ned. Phoenix doesn't bother with gestures, this time; she just shoves backwards with her mind as she dodges Arthas's second swing.

She's not quite fast enough this time; the sword grazes her arm, but she only feels the pain distantly.]

go ahead and zap him it's cool

[darknessb4me]

[Arthas presses the advantage while she's distracted and moves to stab Phoenix in the gut, grinning madly.]

[deadly_ned]

[From behind, the Piemaker is thrown backwards and hits a wall, stunned and out for the count]

sorry ned

[fireincarnate]

[Her lips curl in a snarl as she steps back, and the fire blazes brighter than ever. She shoves a clawed hand forward, and the claws slice right through him, burning his mind from the inside out.]

he'll be freed when he wakes up at least. sorry Ned we love u

[darknessb4me]

[Arthas let's out an aborted, inhuman howl before his head lolls forward, his shoulders drop - but he doesn't fall. He looks suspended by hooks, a blank mannequin.

The Death Knight is almost certainly gone, what pared-down personality and motivation that was there destroyed, but something that is not Arthas at all stirs in the charred remains, blackened and annoyed but very much alive.

Its thoughts are keen and metallic. It notes Jean, briefly examines, before abruptly withdrawing from Arthas altogether. He's just a liability now.

His knees buckle and he collapses.]

[fireincarnate]

[She feels the elation, and lets it soar over her. She wants to do more, to cleanse the Barge in blood and fire, but it's an urge she can suppress. She can close her eyes and float to the floor and let go of the flames.

When she's Jean again, she kneels down in front of Arthas and whispers an apology.

When she rises, his body floats with her; with a gesture, Ned rises as well. She'll take them to the infirmary.]